Allison leaves Ferrari by mutual consent

Back in May 2013 the then Lotus Formula One team were struck a heavy blow with James Allison stepping down as Lotus technical director.

Allison had been Lotus’s Technical Director since 2009 but had been linked with a return to Ferrari where he worked between 2000-2005.

A few months later it was announced that he would re-join Ferrari officially from September 1st.

It was a move that Ferrari thought would take Ferrari back to the front of the Formula One grid.

His input was obviously limited on the 2014 Ferrari, but the new 2015 car had heavy influence from Allison and Sebastian Vettel enjoyed taking the top stop of the podium on a couple of occasions.

The 2016 car however has not lived up to expectations and coupled with personal tragedy with the death of his wife there has been rumours regarding his future.

So despite his contract running for another 17 months, he has left his position of technical director with the Italian outfit with immediate affect.

?The team would like to thank James for his commitment and sacrifice during the time spent together, and wishes him success and serenity for his future endeavours.’ Ferrari Team principal Maurizio Arrivabene told motorsport.com.

Allison added: ?During the years I spent at Ferrari, at two different stages and covering different roles, I could get to know and appreciate the value of the team and of the people, women and men, which are part of it.

‘I want to thank them all for the great professional and human experience we shared. I wish everybody a happy future with lots of success.’